Gun stabilizer and flash suppression means



April 20, 5 J. L. RAHM 3,179,011

GUN STABILIZER AND FLASH SUPPRESSION MEANS Filed Aug. 8, 196:5

23 INVENTOR I Joseph L. Rahm ATTORNEY United States Patent Oflice 3,179,911 Patented Apr. 20, 1965 3,179,011 GUN STABHJIZER AND FLASH SUPPRESSKQN MEANS Joseph L. Rahm, 1318 Perry St. NE., Washington, DC. Filed Aug. 8, 1963, Ser. No. 309,943 11 Claims. (Cl. 891 i) The present invention relates to improvements in gun stabilizing devices or compensating devices and flash suppression devices, and, more particularly, to devices which utilize the kinetic energy of the gases escaping from the gun, when fired, to oppose the recoil and vertical climb or jump of the gun barrel.

The present invention is particularly adapted for use in automatic weapons such as rifles, machine guns and the like, wherein a plurality of successive projectiles are discharged from the gun barrel by merely pulling or actuating the trigger mechanism once. It is apparent that in such an automatic weapon wherein the trigger is pulled but once to automatically fire a large number or" projectiles, for example 10, 15 or 20 projectiles, and only the first shot is on target due to the recoil and vertical climb or jump of the gun barrel, the remaining shots that are fired are, in effect, wasted since they are off target.

in accordance with the present invention a stabilizing device is provided for such an automatic weapon to hold the muzzle on target during the entire firing of the projectiles in the weapon cartridge.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a device to suppress the muzzle flash emanating from the gun to permit the operator or firer to maintain a line of sight on a target at which he is aimed.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for an automatic weapon to prevent the muzzle flash adjacent the front end of the gun barrel from blotting out or obscuring the target.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a compensating or stabilizing device to reduce the recoil or kick of the gun so that the firer may maintain his continuous or automatic firing of the projectiles on the target level.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a stabilizing device for a gun for converting the kinetic energy of the gases escaping from the gun barrel to a force opposing the recoil of the gun.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a compensating device for an automatic weapon which eliminates the vertical climb or walk or jump of the gun barrel.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a stabilizing device that can be made of a single piece or member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a stabilizing or compensating device for ready attachment to the barrel of automatic Weapons already in the field which will not interfere with normal operation of the weapon such as the gunsight already mounted on the weapon and the means for attaching a bayonet thereto.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a compensating device for attachment to the muzzle of a gun barrel that is simple and compact in construction and which can be readily made from parts that are available and does not require complex or excessive machining of the parts.

it is another object of the present invention to provide a stabilizing device for being detachably connected to the muzzle of a gun barrel provided with a plurality of elongated slot means having disposed therealong at spaced intervals a plurality of partition means which convert the kinetic energy of the gases escaping from the gun barrel to a force opposing the recoil of the gun, and to a force to oppose the vertical climb, walk, or jump of the muzzle end of the gun, so that the gun can be operated by a relatively inexperienced person and maintained on the target level.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a compensating device comprising a generally elongated cylindrical member having a plurality of elongated slot means circumferentially spaced around the cylindrical member and extending longitudinally of the axis of the cylindrical member coacting with a plurality of partition members disposed at spaced intervals along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member utilizing the gases escaping from the gun barrel to convert the kinetic energy of these gases into forces opposing the recoil of the gun and the vertical climb or jump of the muzzle end of the gun.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a compensating device for use with an automatic weapon provided with a substantially cylindrical member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally ex tending slot members with knife edges for properly breaking up or distributing the flash from the muzzle of the gun so that the target will not be obscured, in addition to the function of opposing the recoil and vertical climb of the muzzle end of the barrel.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device for use with an automatic weapon to reduce the sound barrier emanating from the gun by breaking it up into numerous parts.

Various other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and in which FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of the device embodied in the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a section taken along lines 22 of FIG- URE 1 with certain portions broken away for purposes of illustration;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a modified form of the invention;

FIGURE 4 is a detailed section taken along lines 4-4 of FIGURE 3 but on an enlarged scale; and

FIGURES 5 and 6 are fragmentary detail views illustrating the inner circumferential portions of the partitions disposed in the longitudinal slots.

Referring to the drawings, the reference numeral 10 generally designates the muzzle end of the gun barrel upon which is disposed the usual gunsight 12 With the compensating or stabilizing and flash suppressor device 14 connected to the front end thereof. The device 14 of the present invention may be detachably connected to the front end of the gun barrel 10 by any suitable means such as a threaded engagement or complementary slot means and the like.

The compensating device 14 is provided with an elongated cylindrical member 16 having an inner bore 13 of a diameter several thousandths of an inch larger than m9 the bore of the gun barrel. A plurality of elongated slots are disposed in member 16 and extend longitudinally of the member so that their axes are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member 16. The member 16 is provided with five elongated slots circumferentially disposed therearound and consisting of a top slot 21, two upper slots 22 and 23 symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of slot 21, and two identical lower slots 24 and 25 disposed on opposite sides of the central axis of the bore 18 and below the horizontal axis of the bore 18. It will be noted from FIGURE 2 that the upper slots 22 and 23 are disposed above the horizontal axis of the bore 18. The slots are formed in member 16 by a plurality of longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced ribs 2d, 28 and 30. The ribs 26 are identical to each other and are disposed opposite one another to form the slot 21. It will be noted that the ribs 26 have a substantial thickness and are pie-shaped segments with knife edges 32 on the inner edges thereof. The inner knife edges 34 of the ribs 28 are disposed horizontally in alignment with each other. It will be noted that these ribs 28 are also pie-shaped. The bottom rib member 3% is substantially wider than the ribs 26 and 28 so as to form an arcuate portion or bottom in the cylindrical member 16 and to completely close off the bottom of this member so that no gases can be discharged downwardly when passing through the member 16. It will also be noted that the rib 3t) has its inner surface 36 forming a substantial arcuate portion and is not a knife edge. The rear end of the slots 38 are curved and are spaced forward of the rear edge, or end, 40 of member 16. The front end of the slots extend substantially the full length of the cylindrical member 16 to a point adjacent the annular ring member 40, forming the front end of the device. The forward end of the cylindrical member is provided with threads 42.

A plurality of deflector or partition members are provided on the cylindrical member 16 and consist of a first partition 44, a second partition 46, a third partition 48, a fourth partition 50, and a fifth partiton 52. The partitions are all thin circular discs. Partition 44 is secured to the cylindrical member 16 adjacent the rear end thereof and is provided with a peripheral, backwardly extending rim 54. The fifth partition is disposed adjacent the forward end of the device and is provided with a similar back-turned peripheral rim 56. Partitions 44 and are disposed at angles with the horizontal plane of the cylindrical member with their upper ends extending forward of their rear ends. The outer portions of the partitions 44 and 50 extend substantially beyond the outer surface of the cylindrical member 16 so that the gases being discharged through the slots in the cylindrical member will strike these partitions. The inner circumference of the partitions 44 and 5t} extend radially inwardly into slots 21, 22, and 23 so as to block off or interrupt the longitudinal recesses formed by these slots while the partition 59 also has its inner circumference extending into slots 24 and 25 so as to block oi the longitudinal recesses formed by these slots. The partition 44- does not extend into recesses 24 and 25 to block them oif, but terminates adjacent the outer edge or circumference of these slots.

The second partition 46 is spaced longitudinally forward of the partition 44 and is of smaller diameter than partition 44. The partition 46 is also disposed adjacent its lower half at a 60 angle with the horizon, while the upper half of the partition 46 is disposed at a 70 angle with the horizontal plane. A shroud or skirt 58 extends longitudinally between the partitions 44 and 46 so as to provide a closed chamber or recess 60, as best shown in FIGURE 2, adjacent and around the lower portion of the cylindrical member 16. The shroud 58 is provided with a fiat bottom 62 and oppositely disposed identical arcuate side walls 64. The upper edges of side walls 64 are disposed approximately adjacent the upper portion of the lower slots 24 and 26. The partition 46 is provided with three small holes or apertures 66 therein which are in radial alignment with the slots 23, 21 and 22, as best shown in FIGURE 2. Partition 46 has its inner circumference extending into slots 24, 25 and 21 as indicated at 67, 68 and 69, respectively, so as to interrupt, block off, or close off these longitudinal recesses formed by these slots adjacent the partition 46. The remaining inner circumference of the partition 46 terminates adjacent the outer edges of the slots 23 and 22.

The third partition 48 is substantially vertical and is provided with a backwardly extending peripheral rim 70, similar to rim 54, and has all of the longitudinal recesses formed by the slots blocked off or closed by the inner circumference of this partition extending to a point adjacent the inner edges of the bore of the cylindrical member 16. This partition 48 is provided with circumferentially disposed apertures '72, similar to apertures 66. The apertures '72 are disposed in radial alignment with the ribs 26 and 28, there being four apertures in all. The diameter of partition 48 is smaller than the diameter of partition 44 and is approximately the same size as the partition 4. 6, when looking at the device from the front of it. The lower end of the fourth partition 56 extends to a point adjacent the lower end of the partition 48 so that small openings 74 on opposite sides of the cylindrical member are provided therebetween. The partition 56 has its inner circumference extending through all of the slots to a point adjacent the inner end thereof so that they close otf or interrupt the longitudinal slots formed in the cylindrical member 16.

The fifth partition 52 is provided with an internal thread and is threaded over the front end of the disc and is provided with a backwardly extending rim 75, like rim 54. A flash splitter 76, consisting of a wedgeshaped bar having a lower knife edge, is secured to the first four partitions and extends from a point adjacent the sight 1 .2 to a point adjacent the front end of the device, as shown in FIGURE 1. The diameter of the partition 52 is smaller than the partition 50 and smaller than the distance that the knife edge 76 is spaced above the cylindrical member so that it can be readily threaded and detached from the device. The flash splitter 76 is disposed at a horizontal level in alignment with the usual gunsight 12 so that gases emanating from the muzzle will not interfere with, or obscure, the line of sight to the target.

All of the partitions are provided with a cutout portion 77 where necessary so that the compensating device will not interfere with the attachment and detachment of a bayonet provided with the usual automatic weapon.

Referring to the modification shown in FIGURES 3 and 4, this embodiment of the invention is substantially the same as that already described except that a shroud or skirt 78 is provided which extends the full length between the partitions 44 and 48, and the flash splitter member 80 is of larger cross-section and has a substantially wider bottom 82 instead of the knife edge as in the splitter bar 76.

In operation, when the weapon is fired the projectile is discharged from the gun muzzle 1t and passes through the compensating device 14. High pressure gas passes out of the gun muzzle through the slots 22, 23, 24, 25 and 21 and strikes the partition 44 to exert a forward pressure or force and a downward pressure or force thereagainst and preventing recoil and holding the muzzle on the target level. The extension of the partition 44 into slots 21, 22 and 23 cuts off the flow of expanded gases longitudinally through these slots. The rim 54 around the partition 44 permits the gases to exert a greater force thereon since the gas will hang in the partition, so to speak, rather than slide off which would occur if there were no rim. Some of the gases flow through the slots 24 and 25 since they are not cut off or closed by partition 44. These gases enter the chamber 60 formed by the shroud member 58 and exert a downward force or pressure to hold the muzzle on target. The partition 46 has its inner peripheral portion closing off the longitudinal slots 24 and 25 adjacent this partition in order to direct these gases flowing past partition 44 in slots 24 and 25 into the chamber 60. The greater column of gas flowing through the bore of the cylindrical member 16 prevents the gases flowing through and along the slots 24 and 25 from escaping so that they have to flow into chamber 60. The slot 21 is also closed adjacent partition 46 so that the column of gases are directed at an angle against the partition 46 to hold the muzzle on target. Since partition 46 is smaller in diameter than partition 44, this prevents a back pressure in the face and ears of the person firing the weapon. Partition 46 has its lower portion disposed at an angle of approximately degrees and the upper portion at approximately degrees. The upper portion is also provided with the three apertures therein to allow the gas being stopped by partition 48 to escape upward through the holes. Partition 48 gives a stronger force or push forward than is exerted by the gases striking the partition 46, thereby reducing recoil and preventing flashback in the firers face and ears.

Partition 48 has all of the slots 21 through 25 closed off by the partition extending therein so as to aid the gases in passing outward through the slots to direct them against the partition 48. The rim '70 on this partition also enables the gases to hang against the partition rather than sliding off of it so as to increase the force reducing recoil. The four apertures 72 in partition 48 allow the gas to pass therethrough thereby preventing too much pressure building up underneath partition 46 and causing the muzzle to raise over the target.

Partition St has all of the slots 21 through 25 closed by its inner circumference to direct the gases against the partition to enhance holding the muzzle on target and also impinging upon this partition to reduce recoil.

The detachable partition 52 reduces recoil and since it is smaller than partition 50 it prevents any undue muzzle blast at the gun firer. This partition 52 can be readily unthreaded to attach a bayonet to the gun.

The provision of the knife edges 32 and 34 on the ribs 26 and 28 prevent the projectile or bullet from an undesirable yaw. This allows the gas behind the projectile to expand freely and not get ahead of the projectile which is one of the factors causing yaw. The provision of the wide segment 36 in the bottom of the bore channels the gases along the stabilizing device so that they will properly impinge upon the partition. If the bottom of the bore of the stabilizing device were not closed off completely there is a great dissipation and waste of the gases required to prevent the weapon from climbing vertically off target.

The knife edge on the flash bar 76 which is spaced above the outer surface of the cylindrical member 16 will split any flame and gases expanding through the slots in the stabilizing device so that it will not obscure the line of sight of the weapon firer.

The operation of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 is substantially the same as that described in connection with FIGURE 1 except that the shroud 78 has the gases flowing through the longitudinal slots 24 and 25 trapped or directed into the chamber formed by the shroud by the greater column of gases passing through the cylindrical member to increase the downward force preventing vertical climb of the gun muzzle. In this embodiment of the invention, the partition 46 does not have its inner circumference closing off the slots 24 and 25 thereadjacent so as to utilize the full length of the shroud 78. The flame-splitter 80 in this embodiment of the invention has a wide lower bottom 82 to increase the area of the line of sight or line of vision of the weapon firer.

Inasmuch as various changes may be made in the form, location and relative arrangement of the several parts without departing from the central characteristics of the invention, it will be understood that the invention is not to be limited except by the scope of the appended claims.

\Vhat is claimed is:

l. A stabilizer device for use with an automatic weapon to reduce recoil and vertical climb comprising a centrally bored cylindrical member with an arcuate segment forming a closed bottom in the bore, said member having alternately disposed longitudinally extending slots and ribs therein disposed around the remaining circumferential portion of said cylindrical member, a plurality of circular partition members surrounding said cylindrical member, said partition members being disposed at an angle with a horizontal plane passing through said bored member, and an arcuate shroud forming a chamber extending between at least two of said partitions and closing off the space adjacent the lower portion of said two partitions, said shroud extending circumferentially in spaced relationship with said arcuate segment bottom.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein one partition is disposed at a 60 angle with a horizontal plane, a second partition at a 60 angle, a third partition at a angle and a fourth partition at a 60 angle with said partitions being disposed longitudinally along said cylindrical member in the sequence first mentioned herein.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said one partition is larger in diameter than said second and third partitions and said fourth partition is larger than said third partition.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is provided with a flame splitter member secured to the tops of all said partitions and is spaced from said cylindrical member and provided with a knife edge on its bottom.

5. A compensating device to reduce recoil and vertical climb when continuously firing an automatic weapon comprising a centrally bored cylindrical member with an arcuate segment forming a closed bottom in the bore, said member having five elongated longitudinal slots therein formed by four ribs and said closed bottom, said ribs having a substantial thickness with a knife edge on their inner edges, a first slot being disposed in the top of said member, a second and third slot being oppositely disposed and in the upper portion of said member, a fourth and fifth slot being oppositely disposed and in the lower portion of said member adjacent opposite sides of said arcuate segment, a first circular transverse partition disposed around said cylindrical member angled at 60 to the horizontal axis of said bore and spaced forward of the rear of said slots, the inner circumference of said partition extending into said first, second and third slots to close them off, a second circular transverse partition around said cylindrical member spaced forward of said first partition at a 60 angle to the horizontal axis of said bore and of smaller diameter than said first partition and with apertures adjacent said first, second and third slots, an arcuate shroud extending around the lower circumferential portion of said first and second partitions and secured thereto to form a chamber therein extending upwardly to a point above said fourth and fifth slots, a third vertical circular transverse partition around said cylindrical member spaced forward of said second partition with apertures adjacent said ribs, and a fourth circular transverse partition around said cylindrical member angled 60 with respect to the axial bore of said cylindrical member and of larger diameter than said second and third partitions.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein said shroud is elongated and extends forward of said second partition and is secured to said third partition.

7. The device of claim 5 wherein the inner circumference of said third partition extends into said first, second, third, fourth and fifth slots to close them off.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the inner circumference of said fourth partition extends into all said slots to close them off.

7 2% 9. The device of claim 5 wherein a fifth vertical parti- References Qited by the Examiner tion is detachably connected to the front end of said cylindrical member, UNITED STATES PATENTS 10. The device of claim 8 wherein a flame splitter bar I is secured to the tops of all said partitions and is spaced 5 i from the top of said cylindrical member and has a knife 5 5 3 10/ I er .0 k/ a J edge on its bottom.

11. The device of claim 6 wherein a flame splitter is BENJAMIN A BORCHELT Primary Emminer provided secured to the teps of said partitions and is an arcuate segment in cross section. 10 FRED MATTERN, Examine!- 

1. A STABILIZER DEVICE FOR USE WITH AN AUTOMATIC WEAPON TO REDUCE RECOIL AND VERTICAL CLIMB COMPRISING A CENTRALLY BORED CYLINDRICAL MEMBER WITH AN ARCUATE SEGMENT FORMING A CLOSED BOTTOM IN THE BORE, SAID MEMBER HAVING ALTERNATELY DISPOSED LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING SLOTS AND RIBS THEREIN DISPOSED AROUND THE REMAINING CIRCUMFERENTIAL PORTION OF SAID CYLINDRICAL MEMBER, A PLURALITY OF CIRCULAR PARTITION MEMBERS SURROUNDING SAID CYLINDRICAL MEMBER, SAID PARTITION MEMBERS BEING DISPOSED AT AN ANGLE WITH A HORIZONTAL PLANE PASSING THROUGH SAID BORED MEMBER, AND AN ARCUATE SHROUD FORMING A CHAMBER EXTENDING BETWEEN AT LEAST TWO OF SAID PARTITIONS AND CLOSING OFF THE SPACE ADJACENT THE LOWER PORTION OF SAID TWO PARTITIONS, SAID SHROUD EXTENDING CIRCUMFERENTIALLY IN SPACED RELATIONSHIP WITH SAID ARCUATE SEGMENT BOTTOM. 